Marcello Lippi Releases His Roster for Upcoming WC 2010 Qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria

Image of Marcello Lippi courtesy of Paul Blank and
http://www.postproduktie.nl/.

Mister Lippi released his roster for the next two World Cup qualifiers.

The first takes place in Tbilisi on 05 September against Georgia, and the next will be in Torino against Bulgaria on 09 September.

Juventus Nucleus


Image courtesy
of Wikipedia.

Seven Juventus players were selected for the squad, and Fabio Grosso could become the 8th if his drawn-out transfer from Lyon is completed on Monday. (The transfer took place, and Fabio will join Juventus next week.) Marco Marchioni of Fiorentina, a former Juve player, received his first call-up since the Euro 2008 qualifier against France in 2006.

Comments by Mister Lippi

“La Juventus ha puntato sui giocatori italiani, dunque è naturale che io rivolga loro la mia attenzione. E sono contento del ritorno di Grosso e Cannavaro in Italia”.

"Juventus has focused on Italian players, therefore it is natural that I keep them in my sights. And I am pleased by the return of Fabio Grosso and Fabio Cannavaro to Italy."

“Cassano? Non c’è nessun giallo e non è un discorso che mi fa arrabbiare. Ma come io rispetto le opinioni degli altri, gli altri dovrebbero rispettare le mie.

"Antonio Cassano? There is not any mystery and isn't any discussion that angers me. But as I respect the opinions of others, they ought to respect mine."

“Giocheremo con quattro centrocampisti e due attaccanti. I compiti tattici varieranno a seconda della presenza o meno di Marchisio. Tra le due gare ci saranno diversi avvicendamenti: Gattuso sarebbe stato del gruppo, ma Marchionni non è il suo sostituto: sta facendo bene, avevo avvertito la Fiorentina già venerdì”.

"We will play with 4 midfielders and 2 strikers. The tactical work will vary with regards to the presence or not of Claudio Marchisio (his first child was born on Monday), but Marco Marchionni is not his replacement. He is doing well, and I had alerted Fiorentina last Friday."

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 01 September 2009.

Portieri (Goalkeepers)

Gigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari).

Difensori (Defenders)

Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus), Davide Santon (Inter), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan).

Centrocampisti (Midfielders)

Mauro German Camoranesi (Juventus), Gaetano D'Agostino (Udinese), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Marchionni (Fiorentina), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).

Attaccanti (Strikers)

Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal).

Courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, 30 August 2009.

Absent Names

• Antonio Cassano of Sampdoria, Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus, and Luca Toni of Bayern Munich were not selected. Toni could return, but the other two would be major surprises as long as Mr. Lippi manages the Azzurri.
  

• Gennaro "Rino" Gattuso of AC Milan was not selected due to an injury picked up in the Milan derby.

Notes

• Daniele De Rossi of AS Roma is suspended for the first match, but will rejoin the team next Sunday in Torino. He will take place in training sessions beginning on Tuesday in Coverciano.
  

• Nine players from the World Cup winning team of 2006 were selected in this side.

• The Azzurri have not played a competitive game since 01 April when they drew, 1 x 1, against the Republic of Ireland in Bari.

• Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, no one team such as Juventus has provided so many players. If you count Crescito, Marchionni, and Zambrotta (former Juventini), along with Grosso, the number on this team with Juventus links would rise to 11. Mr. Lippi managed the Turin outfit for two different spells. As he noted in his comments, Juventus plays more Italians than other high profile clubs such as AC Milan or Internazionale.
  

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Week/Giornata 2 of the Italian Serie A: The Milan Derby and Roma x Juventus

The Serie A began in 1929. FC Internazionale Milano is the only team to play every year in the top flight, and they have won the Scudetto (Championship) for the last four years. For this season, AS Bari, Livorno, and Parma were promoted from Serie B.

• To learn more about Italian soccer history, please visit my Italian Calcio and History of the Azzurri page.

Quotes of the Week in Italian Calcio

"I wouldn't exchange him with anyone that I know." AC Milan patron, Silvio Berlusconi, commenting on Ronaldinho Gaucho.

"If I chose the team, I would put Seedorf in the #10 position to make the last pass to Ronaldinho and Pato up front." AC Milan patron, Silvio Berlusconi.

"Berlusconi? He is present with us frequently for dinner at Milanello (their training facility.) We have discussed placing Ronaldinho higher up, with Pato as the main striker. We have many possibilities." Leonardo of AC Milan.

"Me, President of Juventus? They would have to change soccer." Lapo Elkann of the FIAT Group and Juventus FC.

"I like the noise from my enemies." Jose' Mourinho of Internazionale.

"Sneijder completes us, but it is a shame that he only came now. It would have been fantastic to have everyone together for the last month and a half to prepare ourselves." Jose' Mourinho of Internazionale.

"Mourinho likes to be at the center of attention." Cesare Maldini, former manager of the Azzurri.

"Everyone at the San Siro saw that it was an imaginary penalty." Vitali Kutuzov of AS Bari.

"Real Madrid did not treat me well, but Mourinho sent me a lot of SMS to let me know how much he wanted me at Inter." Wesley Sneijder of Internazionale.

"First Milan on Saturday, then I want Barcelona in the Champions League. I've never faced Barca before, and we have no problem with Ibra. We respect his choice." Julio Cesar of Internazionale.

Courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport but translated from the Italian by me.

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Live Streaming of the Games

• ESPN 360 will show some Serie A matches depending upon your location and cable provider.
• RAI International Satellite Radio broadcasts live games.
  

---

Week 2 Fixtures

Saturday

AS Bari 0 x Bologna 0

Bari again left points on the table due to a lack of finishing in the box. Vitali Kutuzov missed another sitter. Bologna earns a precious away point in this potential relegation derby played on a very poor pitch. New Bari owner Tim Barton watched the proceedings at the San Nicola in front of a passionate tifoseria.

AC Milan 0 x Internazionale 4 (The worst Milan derby defeat in 11 years.)

At a sold-out San Siro, in front of Italian Premier, Silvio Berlusconi, Inter ran riot over the Rossoneri with three first half goals by Thiago Motta, Milito from the spot, and Maicon. Rino Gattuso was red carded for a second bookable offense after a harsh tackle on stellar debutant, Wesley Sneijder. In the second half, Dejan Stankovic closed the game with a long-range effort as the Nerazzurri toyed with Milan. Back to the drawing board and conference table for Milan.

Sunday

AS Roma 1 x Juventus 3

In a very spirited and well-played match at the Stadio Olimpico, Diego of Juventus was the main protagonist. He scored on a fifty meter run with a clinical outside of the right boot finish for Juve's first goal. In the second half, he got his brace with another great finish. Felipe Melo sealed the win in injury time with a tremendous solo effort.

In the first half, Daniele De Rossi of Roma scored on a 25 meter blast that surprised Gigi Buffon. In the second half, Francesco Totti struck a pole. Juventus continues to be the bete noir for Roma manager, Luciano Spalletti. He has never beaten them as a coach.

Atalanta of Bergamo 0 x Genoa 1
Cagliari 1 x Siena 3
Chievo Verona 1 x Lazio of Rome 2
Fiorentina 1 x Palermo 0
Napoli 3 x Livorno 1
Parma 2 x Catania 1
Sampdoria of Genoa 3 x Udinese 1

Video Highlights

A great source for Serie A videos.
You can also view videos on the
Goal4Replay application above this
post.

Online Coverage

• For an ESPN Matchtracker of Italian football, please click here.

• For a game tracker called Live Match from La Gazzetta dello Sport, please click here. You may have to click on the number of the week to see a full fixture list.

• For English language coverage and game commentaries, please take a look at Football Italia, Italian Serie A Soccer by Anna Italia, and the Offside.

• For a detailed map of Italy and Serie A clubs, please click here.
  

For those new to Italian calcio, please read my article, Soccer Terminology in the Mother Tongue (Italian to English).

Enjoy the passion of Italian calcio.

World Football Commentaries Home Page

2009-2010 Spanish La Liga Preview by Miguel Aviles and Martin Cutler

2009-2010 Spanish La Liga Preview
by Miguel Aviles and Martin Cutler for World Football Commentaries

• If you would like to intelligently discuss Spanish and other international football, please visit the excellent Soccer Futbol Forum, which is moderated by these two gentlemen.
  

• For weekly fixtures of La Liga, please click here.

• For a detailed interactive map of all Spanish professional teams, including La Liga, that also lists official team web sites, please click here.

Please enjoy another excellent commentary by these two European and Spanish football experts.

Steve Amoia, Editor, World Football Commentaries.

Raul Gonzalez, el gran capitan of Real Madrid.

Spain's La Liga will have the eyes of the world placed on it for the 2009-10 season as Barcelona are coming off their historic triple, championships in the league, Copa del Rey and European Champions League. In trying to keep up Real Madrid have brought back their former president Florentino Perez who is trying to build a new team based on world stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso. Logic would dictate that the economic power of Barcelona and Real Madrid mean that they will once again be fighting it out for the league crown but 4 other clubs look poised to challenge them if they have an slip ups: Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Valencia. Gone from the first division are Betis, Numancia and Spain's oldest professional club Recreativo Huelva. Moving up are the newly promoted Zaragoza, Tenerife and for the first time Xerez. Here is a look at each of Spain's First Division clubs heading into the new season:

Barcelona

The question has to be asked what can Barcelona do for an encore after winning every competition they entered last season? To keep the team fresh forward Samuel Eto'o has been transferred to Inter Milan in exchange for another center forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Barcelona will miss Eto'o's explosiveness and ability to press opposing defenders when they have the ball which may effect their counter attacking ability but they gain a forward who is a master technician on the ball and who will provide the team with an aerial threat. Look for Ibrahimovic to help Barcelona when they face packed in defenses this season. With the ever improving Lionel Messi, the early favorite for 2009 World Player of the Year plus Xavi and Andres Iniesta two of the best midfielders anywhere, Barcelona will be a pleasure to watch. Young central defender Gerald Pique's progress in the 2nd half of last season means Barcelona also has defensive toughness and in Pep Guardiola there is a coach who has already shown in his first year in charge that he is capable of handling a team in big moments.

Real Madrid

After an injury plagued season last year Real Madrid are undertaking as massive a rebuilding project as any club in recent memeory has ever taken. In are club president Florentino Perez, the architect of the club's early 2000s policy of "galacticos," his right hand man Jorge Valdano and new coach Manuel Pellegrini a fine tactician who arrives from Villarreal. $350 million later Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema are the latest world stars joining the club. But different from Perez first spell in charge of the club this time Madrid also are signing players to give the club more balance, midfielder Xabi Alonso who should team with Lassana Diarra to give the Merengues a solid central midfield partnership, central defender Raul Albiol, utility defender Alvaro Arbeloa and midfielder Esteban Granero have also joined and each could be just as important to Madrid's success as the big name foreign stars. But the pressure to produce will be enormous after spending such huge sums of money on building the team and the club have set as a minimum goal playing in the Champions League Final next May which will take place in their own Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Manuel Pellegrini will have time before then to mold a team out of these big name signings but how well he handles the tricky task of keeping the newcomers and the holdovers happy will ultimately determine both his coaching fate and how well Real Madrid does in the coming season.

Sevilla

Sevilla did not make many headlines last season and under current coach Manolo Jimenez their play was not as spectacular as it was in some recent years but the club got the job done when needed and look to be stronger in the new season as they had no significant departures and added Alvaro Negredo, one of the league's top forwards last season with Almeria who was bought by Real Madrid and subsequently sold on to Sevilla, also joining is right back/central defender Sergio Sanchez from Espanyol who should help cover the weakness Sevilla had last season at right back after Dani Alves left for Barcelona. With Negredo, Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano, Sevilla have a wonderful trio of forwards and Jesus Navas, Diego Capel and Diego Perotti give them a talented group of wingers. French internationals Julien Escude and Sebastien Squillaci anchor a solid defense in what could become a big year for one of Spain's best supported clubs.

Atletico Madrid

Spain's traditional underachieving team from the capital have qualified for the Champions League group stages two seasons in a row now. Despite inquiries from other clubs both domestically and internationally, Atletico have kept their dynamic pair of strikers, Diego Forlan who led Spain and all of Europe in goals scored last season and Sergio "Kun" Aguero. Atletico's weakness has been in defense but central defender Juanito has arrived from Betis and perhaps most importantly, young Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo from Valladolid has joined the club. Watch for Asenjo who will one day challenge Iker Casillas to be Spain's goalkeeper and who is super at distributing the ball. Atletico also have brought back three players (Jose Antonio Reyes, Juan Manuel Jurado and Cleber Santana) who were on loan last season who should help the team's depth as they compete both in Europe and league play.

Villarreal

Manuel Pellegrini left to coach Real Madrid but Ernesto Valverde who won the Greek championship with Olimpiakos and a few seasons before led Espanyol to the UEFA Cup Final takes over and he has a lot of talent at his disposal including Spanish internationals, Santi Cazorla, Marcos Senna and Joan Capdevila, Italian international Giuseppe Rossi, veteran Robert Pires and new signing Brazilian international forward Nilmar. Villarreal's starting team is as talented as any in Spain's, the question mark for them will be whether their bench can sustain the team through the long season?

Valencia

Last season was one of caos at Valencia as the club fell into serious financial problems and the players went months without pay. Just as it looked that they would be forced to hold a fire sale of their stars such as David Villa and David Silva, Valencia were rescued by a cash infusion from an additional shares offering and a bank loan. Only Raul Albiol, sold to Real Madrid, and veteran Fernando Morientes allowed to leave for free to Marseille have gone. French leftback Jeremie Mathieu and young centerback Angel Dealbert have arrived to help the defense but it is offensively where Valencia should pose many problems for its opponents with Villa, Silva, Juan Manuel Mata, Pablo Hernandez and/or Joaquin going at opposing defenses. Unai Emery is one of the rising young coaches in Spain and with tranquility he can lead this club to good things in this season.

Deportivo

Led by the practical coaching of Miguel Angel Lotina, Deportivo are often a tricky opponent who play well collectively and defend with tenacity. Young French Tunsian striker Lassad has helped the attack but this is still Deportivo's weakness but with Angel Lafita and Mexican international Andres Guardado running the wings and highly rated Brazilian left back Filipe Luis, Deportivo will pose problems for any defense on the flanks.

Malaga

The team from the Costa del Sol surprised almost everybody with their 8th place finish in their first season after winning promotion from the Segunda Division. But they've lost two key players from that team, midfielders Eliseu (Lazio) and Duda (Sevilla). But they retained highly sought after right back Jesus Gamez and acquired forward Albert Luque who last season played for them on loan from Ajax. Malaga have gone about acquiring a lot of bargain priced but talented players, many on loan. Two attackers have come from Italy, Italian-Argentinian forward Fernando Forestieri, a teenager on loan from Genoa and Nigerian international Victor Obinna Nsofor from Inter Milan. Other newcomers like defenders Milan Stepanov and Patrick Mtiliga and midfielder Salim Benachour should assure Malaga remain competitive in the new season. One change is on the bench as Antonio Tapia left to try and win promotion with Betis, he's been replaced by Juan Ramon Muniz who won promotion for Malaga two seasons ago.

Mallorca

It was a chaotic offseason as Mallorca looked for and eventually found a new owner. Each year this club loses many key players yet remains competitive, one year you would think that luck will run out and this season with the delay caused by the change in ownership the club have not been as active as usual in the transfer market. But losing Venezuelan playmaker Juan Arango to Monchengladbach and goalie Miguel Moya to Valencia will hurt and astute coach Gregorio Manzano will have his hands full this season keeping the Balearic island team out of the relegation fight.

Espanyol

Last season with a few months to go it looked like Espanyol were certain to be relegated but former defender Mauricio Pochettino took over and led the team on a great run to finish midtable. He's back and the club maintained it's star attackers Luis Garcia and Raul Tamudo plus injury prone but exciting playmaker Ivan de la Pena. Plus they are moving into a beautiful new stadium on the outskirts of Barcelona. There was every reason to be optimistic about the new season at Espanyol then club captain Daniel Jarque died suddenly after suffering a heart attack during a preseason tour of Italy. How the club will react to this tragic news is a real unknown. The talent is there and summer signings Joan Verdu and Shunsuke Nakamura will strengthen the already formidable midfield and attack while young Argentinian defenders Sebastian Roncaglia and Juan Forlin will try and cover the absence of the club's fallen captain. This could either be a very successful and united club or one which plays in a funk without its captan.

Almeria

Almeria were another club looking like they were headed for relegation until their new coach Hugo Sanchez led them to a revival. But this club has lost it's chief goalscorer Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla) plus it's two talented fullbacks Bruno Saltor (Valencia) and Mane (Getafe). Swedish forward Henok Goiton arrives from Valladoldi to try and help fill Negredo's shoes while Colombian Fabian Vargas from Boca Juniors and Argentinian Hernan Bernadello from Newell's Old Boys have arrived to strengthen the midfield. Nigerian Kalu Uche was enlivened by Hugo Sanchez' arrival and much of Almeria's hopes in the new season may depend on his ability to score.

Racing

Racing Santander have been punching above its weight for some time now but this club lost both of its central defenders plus talismanic goalscorer Nikola Zigic over the summer. Luis Garcia arrived from Atletico Madrid to help mighty mite winger Pedro Munitis. Defenders Marc Torrejon (Espanyol) and Nasief Morris (Recreativo) will try and fill the vacuum in central defense. Racing gives the indication that this might be the season where they are fighting against relegation.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao are a very difficult team to play at its San Mames stadium and under coach Joaquin Caparros they play a very direct style which suits their star, center forward and Spanish international Fernando Llorente one of the most dangerous players in the air in the league. Central midfielder Javi Martinez is one of the better young midfielders in Spain but the talk of Bilbao this summer was an even younger midfielder, 16 year old Iker Muniain who likely will be brought along slowly. Watch out for another youngster 20 year old withdrawn forward Oscar De Marcos who arrives from Alaves. A young and hard working team who could either be a real surprise or struggle mightily this season.

Sporting

In their return last season to the first division after a decade away Sporting Gijon were expected to be a relegation candidate and they only saved themselves on the final day. Their budget is small but they have some of the most faithful followers of any club and despite other clubs wanting to buy midfielder Michel and defender Canella, Sporting held on to them both and added Miguel de las Cuevas and Albert Rivera a pair of veteran midfielders who should help the team combat what likely will be another season fighting to avoid the drop.

Osasuna

The combative team from Pamplona are always difficult to beat at home and they have a tough coach in Jose Antonio Camacho which they'll need if they are to survive another fight against relegation. Jaroslav Plasil left for Bordeaux leaving a hole in midfield but midfielders Javier Camunas from Recreativo and Javier Callejas from Malaga have come to help give the excellent Iranian international midfielder Nekounam some help while striker Carlos Aranda of Numancia will help Osasuna's notoriously poor attack. But the defense led by a pair of the best young fullbacks in Spain, Cesar Azpilicueta and Ignacio Monreal will be strong and should help keep Osasuna in most games this year.

Valladolid

The coach Jose Luis Mendilibar stayed the same but half the roster has changed as Valladolid look to avoid a relegation battle. Sergio Asenjo is a major loss but Paraguayan international Justo Villar will attempt to fill his shoes. Most of the club's newcomers are journeymen like defenders Cesar Arzu and Antonio Barragan, midfielders Sisi and Hector Font and forwards Manucho and Alberto Bueno. It could be a long season in Valladolid.

Getafe

After several years of playing attractive counter attacking football and being safely positioned midtable, last year Getafe were in a relegation battle until the final day. But ex Real Madrid midfield star and youth coach Michel resurrected the club in the final weeks, and although Esteban Granero returned to Real Madrid and forward Ike Uche left for Zaragoza, there is optimism at Madrid's southern suburban club as another Real Madrid youth team midfielder Dani Parejo has arrived to replace Granero, Ghanaian ball winner Derek Boateng comes from Cologne in Germany, right winger Pedro Leon comes from Valladolid and left back Mane from Almeria helps fill the void at his position as Getafe look to have made some astute summer signings. Oscar Ustari returns in goal after a long injury absence and Roberto Soldado is still at forward which should make Getafe resemble their previously competitive teams more than last season's strugglers.

Tenerife

The team from the Canary Islands returns to the Primera after nearly a decade in the 2nd division and they are led by Nino who was the 2nd division's top goalscorer last season. Winger Alejandro Alfaro has once more been loaned by Sevilla and he and Nino made a dynamic combination last season as the club won promotion. Midfielder Roman Martinez arrives from Espanyol to add some experience to a club whose success will greatly depend on how well they can defend against first division attacks and how well Alfaro and Nino play.

Xerez

The club from the sherry wine region of Spain make their debut in the first division. The club are run on a shoe string budget but have picked up some useful players either via loan or purchase from both Barcelona and Sevilla, Victor Sanchez (Barcelona), Emiliano Armenteros and David Prieto from Sevilla and Valdo from Espanyol should all add some experience to the team. Venezuelan forward Giancarlo Maldonado arrives from Atlante in Mexico to team up with lively veteran forward Antonito. If this club avoids relegation it will have been a successful season.

Zaragoza

Probably the newly promoted team with the best chance to do well this season. Well coached by Marcelino and with a pretty good attack led by Brazilian Ewerthon and Spain's Javier Alzamendi which has been supplemented by Nigeria's Ike Uche from Getafe (the brother of Almeria's Kalu Uche.) English winger Jermaine Penannt has also arrived to help out midfielder Antonio Hidalgo. The defense is anchored by former Argentina centerback Roberto Ayala and Uruguayan fullback Victor Diogo and Argentinian international goalie Juan Pablo Carrizo has also arrived on loan from Lazio. Zaragoza have the look of a team who can fight for a midtable finish.

So there you have a look at Spain's 20 clubs this season. Should be an entertaining and as always dramatic season ahead. Enjoy!

About the Authors

Miguel Aviles and Martin Cutler are Spanish futbol aficionados and experienced commentators of world football. They are lifetime supporters of Real Madrid. Please visit their excellent discussion board, which is called the Soccer Futbol Forum.

World Football Commentaries Home Page

Week/Giornata 1 of the Italian Serie A

The Serie A began in 1929. Internazionale Milano is the only team to play every year in the top flight, and they have won the Scudetto (Championship) for the last four years. For this season, AS Bari, Livorno, and Parma were promoted from Serie B.

• To learn more about Italian soccer history, please visit my Italian Calcio and History of the Azzurri page.

Quotes of the Week in Italian Calcio

"Juventus will win the Scudetto." Marcello Lippi of the Azzurri.

"Lippi is the coach of all Italian soccer. He showed a lack of respect to name Juventus." Jose' Mourinho of Internazionale.

"Last year when Lippi predicted Inter to win the Scudetto, nobody said anything." Ciro Ferrara of Juventus.

"I am the only thing that Lippi and Mourinho can agree on: Neither one wants me." Antonio Cassano of Sampdoria and Bari Vecchia.

"Amauri will come into the Azzurri with great enthusiasm." Gigi Buffon of Juventus.

"Ronaldinho is our Usain Bolt." Premier Silvio Berlusconi, patron of AC Milan.

"This is a fantastic opportunity. The Bari fans are passionate about their team and with new management we hope to grow this franchise into one of the most successful and competitive in Europe." Tim Barton, CEO of JMJ Holdings, the new American owners of AS Bari.

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Live Streaming of the Games

• ESPN 360 will show some Serie A matches depending upon your location and cable provider.
• RAI International Satellite Radio broadcasts live games.
  

---

Week 1 Fixtures

Saturday

Bologna 1 x Fiorentina 1(Osvaldo gave Bologna the early lead, but Adrian Mutu equalized for La Viola.)
Siena 1 x AC Milan 2 (Leonardo earned his first win on the Milan bench with a brace by Pato. Ghezzal scored for the Tuscans.)

Sunday

Internazionale 1 x AS Bari 1

Bari returned to the top flight after 8 years in Serie B, and were not in awe of the millionaires from Inter. A very dubious penalty was awarded to Inter early in the second half, and Samuel Eto'o clinically converted from the spot. But Vitaly Kutuzov equalized a few minutes later, and Emanuel Rivas almost won it at the death for the Puglians. An impressive start by a very organized and determined Bari side. Inter, as happened several times last season, dropped points at the San Siro. Next Saturday they will face Milan in the derby.

"Mi aspettavo una gara difficile, un Bari con qualità. Mi aspettavo di più dalla mia squadra, è difficile giocare con una squadra che arriva dalla B con una mentalità positiva. ma noi restiamo motivati."

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 23 August 2009.

"I expected a difficult game, a Bari side with quality. I expected more from my team, and it is difficult to play with a team that arrives from Serie B with a positive mentality, but we remain motivated."

--- Jose' Mourinho

"The whole stadium saw that it was an imaginary penalty."

--- Vitaly Kutuzov of Bari after the game on Gazzetta TV.

«E' stato bello vedere con quale maturità, personalità, serenità i ragazzi hanno messo a frutto le conoscenze che hanno assimilato». «Abbiamo portato via un punto importante e c'è anche un minimo di rammarico per il finale, questo la dice lunga sulla partita che abbiamo fatto, ma la vera nota positiva è come abbiamo giocato, l’abbiamo fatto per produrre calcio, in alcuni momenti lo abbiamo prodotto, la cosa importante era questa. Il fatto di avere costretto l’Inter a cambiare modulo per tre volte è motivo di orgoglio per i nostri giocatori, che hanno saputo leggere bene le situazioni»

«Era importante fare le verifiche contro i primi dalla classe, con due giovani che esordivano in serie A. Non posso che essere soddisfatto. In alcuni ruoli siamo pochi, ma questo è un discorso societario, noi ci alleniamo e cerchiamo di fare del nostro meglio».

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Mezzogiorno, 23 August 2009.

"It was great to see such maturity, personality, and calmness that the players showed along with the way they assimilated things. We took away an important point and there was a little regret in the end, which says a lot about the game we played, but the real positive note was how we played, we wanted to produce, and in some instances we did produce, which was the most important thing.

The fact that we made Inter change their tactical system three times is a point of pride for our players who were able to read the situations well. It was important to prove ourselves against the head of the class, with two young players making their Serie A debuts. I couldn't be more pleased. In some roles we are weak, but this is for the club to decide. We train and look to do our best."

--- Giampiero Ventura of AS Bari.

Catania 1 x Sampdoria 2
Genoa 3 x AS Roma 2
Juventus 1 x Chievo Verona 0 (Vincenzo Iaquinta scored on a well-placed looping header from a perfect free kick by Diego. Chievo fought hard and pushed Juve to the limits.)
Lazio of Rome 1 x Atalanta of Bergamo 0
Livorno 0 x Cagliari 0
Palermo 2 x Napoli 1
Udinese 2 x Parma 2

Video Highlights

A great source for Serie A videos.
You can also view videos on the
Goal4Replay application above this
post.

Online Coverage

• For an ESPN Matchtracker of Italian football, please click here.

• For a game tracker called Live Match from La Gazzetta dello Sport, please click here. You may have to click on the number of the week to see a full fixture list.

• For English language coverage and game commentaries, please take a look at mCalcio, Football Italia, Italian Serie A Soccer by Anna Italia, and the Offside.

For those new to Italian calcio, please read my article, Soccer Terminology in the Mother Tongue (Italian to English).

Enjoy the passion of Italian calcio.

World Football Commentaries Home Page

Los Angeles Sol Fall To Sky Blue FC in First-Ever WPS Championship Presented by MedImmune

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nick Ammazzalorso

nammazzalorso@leaderenterprises.com

LOS ANGELES SOL FALL TO SKY BLUE FC IN FIRST-EVER

WPS CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY MEDIMMUNE

CARSON, CA – August 22, 2009 – The Los Angeles Sol (Women’s Professional Soccer) dropped a 1-0 decision to Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) in the first-ever WPS Championship presented by MedImmune Saturday afternoon at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Midfielder Heather O’Reilly opened the scoring for Sky Blue in the 16^th minute. Keeley Dowling crossed the ball into the penalty area from the right wing, it was flicked on by Natasha Kai and deflected to O’Reilly; she calmly put it home past Sol goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc. It was the first goal for Sky Blue FC against the Sol this season.

The Sol were reduced to ten players in the 27^th minute when rookie defender Allison Falk was shown a red card by referee Kari Seitz for a tackle from behind on Natasha Kai just outside the area. Despite being down a player, the Sol nearly equalized a minute later, but Sky Blue ‘keeper Jenni Branam leapt off her line to snag Aya Miyama’s cross and diffuse the threat.

The Sol nearly drew even again in the opening stages of the second half when Aly Wagner sent a long, aerial ball into the goalmouth that required Braham to out jump Brittany Bock to catch the ball and keep it out of the net.

Despite being undermanned, the hosts continued to push forward throughout the latter stages of the match as Sky Blue FC’s defense, led by player-coach Christie Rampone, thwarted every offensive surge.

“I’m so proud of this team. Even when we were down a man, we fought until the end and believed we could win this match,” said Captain Shannon Boxx. “We played our hearts out and left everything we had out on the field today. You can’t ask for more from this team. Soccer is a funny game that way and today it just didn’t go our way.”

The victory meant that Sky Blue FC, which had three coaches during the course of the season, finished 4-1 under Rampone, who took over the coaching duties on July 30 with 10 days left in the season, and captured three consecutive playoff games on the road as the No. 4 seed when the WPS Playoffs began.

“I think it’s an exceptional team we have here with Sky Blue FC. I think it was a great fun for us, battling back to make it into the playoffs and winning three games in eight days,” said Rampone. “I think we came out strong, the adrenaline was definitely kicking with us and we went after them and had our legs."

“I think the intangibles won that game for us.” said WPS Championship MVP Heather O’Reilly. “You never wish that you go through so may ups and downs that went through this season, but I thin kin the end its character building. I just think the fibers of this team are so close and so that that nothing was going to break us.”

“It is disappointing to lose this game, it was our goal all season long to win the championship,” said Sol forward Marta. “Soccer is a funny game sometimes and you have to deal with that. As team, though, we should be very proud for what we were able to accomplish all season long."

08.22.2009 – Carson, California – The Home Depot Center

Los Angeles Sol – Sky Blue FC –0:1 (0:1)

1 2 F

Los Angeles 0 0 0

Sky Blue FC 1 0 0

Scoring Summary

GOAL TIME TEAM GOAL SCORER ASSISTS

1 16 Sky Blue FC Heather O’Reilly Natasha Kai

Misconduct Summary

LA – Allison Falk (ejection) 27’

LA – Brittany Bock (caution) 52’

Lineups

Los Angeles Sol: Karina LeBlanc; Manya Makoski, Allison Falk, Brittany Bock, Stephanie Cox; McCall Zerboni (35: Sharolta Nonen), Aly Wagner (62, Katie Larkin), Shannon Boxx ©, Aya Miyama; Han Duan (78, Lyndsey Patterson), Marta.

Sky Blue FC: Jenni Branam; Keeley Dowling©, Jenn Buczkowski, Christie Rampone©, Meghan Schnur; Heather O’Reilly© (83, Noelle Keselica), Francielle, Yael Averbuch, Kacey White; Natasha Kai (67, Kerri Hanks), Rosana (71: Collette McCallum).

Statistics

Shots 1 2 F

Los Angeles 1 7 8

Sky Blue FC 9 3 12

SHOTS ON GOAL 1 2 F

Los Angeles 1 3 4

Sky Blue FC 3 2 5

SAVES 1 2 F

Los Angeles 2 2 4

Sky Blue FC 1 3 4

CORNER KICKS 1 2 F

Los Angeles 1 5 6

Sky Blue FC 2 3 5

OFFSIDES 1 2 F

Los Angeles 3 0 3

Sky Blue FC 0 1 1

FOULS 1 2 F

Los Angeles 3 0 3

Sky Blue FC 0 1 1

Referee: Kari Seitz

SAR: Marlene Duffy

JAR: Veronica Perez

4th Official: Margaret Domka

Attendance: 7,812

Weather: Partly Cloudy and 72 degrees

LOSANGELESSOL.COM

Editor's Note

Images were provided by Picapp.com and not by the Los Angeles Sol or Leader Enterprises.

I would like to thank Leader Enterprises for their timely game reports throughout the season for readers of this blog.

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Inaugural WPS Championship between the Los Angeles Sol and Sky Blue FC from Carson, California

2009 WPS Championship Presented by MedImmune Is Set

Sky Blue FC Wins Second Straight Playoff Game on the Road to Advance, Will Face No. 1 seed Los Angeles Sol at The Home Depot Center on Saturday

Coverage Begins 3:30pm ET, August 22 Live on Fox Sports Net

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 19, 2009) – The match-up for the inaugural WPS Championship presented by MedImmune was finalized on Wednesday night when No. 4 seed Sky Blue FC defeated No. 2 seed Saint Louis Athletica in the Super Semifinal, 1-0, on a goal in the 30th minute by Keeley Dowling at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in Fenton, MO.

Under the WPS Playoff format, as regular season champions, the Los Angeles Sol earned the right to host the WPS Championship and will face Sky Blue FC, which squeaked into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season led by player/coach Christie Rampone.

The WPS Championship will kick-off at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 22 with television coverage produced by Fox Soccer Channel and carried live on Fox Sports Net, Comcast SportsNet and select regional affiliates. The telecast will begin with a live 30-minute pregame show at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. For local TV listings go to:

http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/schedule/2009-tv-schedule.aspx

Individual tickets for the inaugural WPS Championship are available at The Home Depot Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster phone and retail outlets. Group discounted rates are available by calling 1-877-4-SOL-TIX (765-849) or visiting www.LosAngelesSol.com for more information!

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. The Inaugural Season kicked off on March 29 and runs through August 30, 2009, with WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. The league’s eighth and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in 2010. For more information, visit www.womensprosoccer.com.

About WPS Championship presented by MedImmune

MedImmune is a proud sponsor of WPS and is the presenting sponsor of the 2009 WPS Championship. MedImmune teamed up with WPS for “Don’t Play with the Flu”™, a national education campaign about the importance of seasonal flu vaccination. MedImmune and WPS are committed to helping parents and families put up a good defense against seasonal flu. More information is available at www.DontPlaywiththeFlu.com.

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Preliminary Agreement is Signed by Vincenzo Matarrese and Timothy Barton for the Purchase of AS Bari by JMJ Holdings of Dallas, Texas

Image courtesy of AS Bari.

This afternoon (18 August 2009) on the AS Bari web site, the following statement was released. Along with smiling pictures of Dott. Vincenzo Matarrese and Mr. Timothy Barton.

Vincenzo Matarrese e Timothy L. Barton hanno sottoscritto il preliminare di accordo per il trasferimento della proprietà dell’As Bari al gruppo americano JMJ. Le parti hanno altresì concordato che la stipula dell’atto pubblico di vendita avverrà entro la data del 31 ottobre 2009 a conclusione della procedura di ‘due diligence’.

Dopo tale data Timothy Barton assumerà la carica di presidente. Lo stesso Timothy Barton ha invitato il presidente Vincenzo Matarrese a proseguire, fino all’atto definitivo di vendita, nella guida della Società come avvenuto finora assicurandogli pieno appoggio anche attraverso relazioni dirette.

Vincenzo Matarrese è rimasto favorevolmente impressionato dalla serietà e concretezza con cui Timothy Barton ha condotto la trattativa, cogliendo nel suo volto l’entusiasmo giusto a garantire serenità alla tifoseria barese. Quegli stessi sentimenti a cui il presidente Matarrese ha sempre destinato il suo grande impegno. Con queste premesse hanno deciso di sentirsi spesso fino al passaggio delle consegne.

Italian Source: AS Bari, 18 August 2009.

"Vincenzo Matarrese and Timothy Barton have signed the preliminary agreement for the transfer of the AS Bari club to the American firm, JMJ Holdings. The parties have reached an accord that stipulates that the public sale will occur by the date of 31 October 2009 at the conclusion of the 'due diligence' process.

After such a date, Timothy Barton will assume the role of President. The same Mr. Barton invited current President Vincenzo Matarrese to proceed, until the definite act of a sale, as the head of the club as he has up until now assuring him full support also through direct dealings.

Vincenzo Matarrase has remained favorably impressed by the seriousness and clarity with how Timothy Barton conducted the deal, struck by the look in his face with the proper enthusiasm to guarantee serenity to the Bari supporters. These same feelings are the same as President Matarrese has always given to his life's work. With these statements, they have decided to communicate frequently until the passage of the deal."

Unofficial translation by Steve Amoia.

Comments by Mr. Barton

“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said Barton. “The Bari fans are passionate about their team and with new management we hope to grow this franchise into one of the most successful and competitive in Europe. We have been working very closely with the family to ensure a smooth transition and both parties are supportive of a positive outcome for the team.”

Source: AS Bari, 18 August 2009.

Mr. Barton noted that he hopes to wrap up the deal in the next 30 days. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the deal was worth €25 million with 4 million to be tendered at the end of due diligence. The new Administrative Delegate for AS Bari will be Alessio Mora, who already worked for JMJ Holdings in their European operations. He was also the one who alerted Mr. Barton that Bari was for sale.

First American Ownership in Serie A

At the completion of the due diligence process, JMJ Holdings will become the first American firm to own a Serie A side. Recently, Oguchi Onyewu became the first American to sign for AC Milan.

I have written something especially for Mr. Barton of JMJ. :-)

• Soccer Terminology in the Mother Tongue (Italian to English)

All the best wishes to JMJ Holdings as they enter the passion of Italian calcio. My grandparents were born and raised near Bari, and I'm very pleased to read the news of this deal.

Serie A Side Bari in Talks with an American Firm, JMJ Holdings, from Dallas

Image courtesy of AS Bari.



According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, after 30 years of ownership by the Matarrese family, AS Bari will be sold to an American firm, JMJ Holdings, of Dallas, Texas. The CEO of JMJ Holdings is Mr. Timothy Barton, and their primary business is real estate and luxury hospitality management.

BARI - Dopo piu' di 30 anni finisce il legame tra la famiglia Matarrese e il Bari calcio. Gli imprenditori di Andria (Bari) cedono la squadra a una cordata di "colleghi" che sbarcano in Puglia anche dagli Stati Uniti. Oggi si e' tenuto l'incontro tra Salvatore Matarrese, rappresentante della societa' neopromossa in A, e Alessio Mora, advisor della holding interessata all'acquisizione del Bari Calcio ed entrambe le parti hanno fatto sapere di aver raggiunto l'intesa. La societa' interessata alla operazione e' la texana JMJ Holdings con a capo Timothy Barton. (RCD)

"After more than 30 years, the ties between Bari Calcio and the Matarrese family have finished. The holders from Andria (Bari) are ceding the team to a group of 'colleagues' that arrived in Puglia from the United States. Today a meeting was held between Salvatore Matarresse, representative of the newly promoted Serie A side, and Alessio Mora, advisor to the holding company interested in the acquisition of Bari Calcio. Both parties have made it known to have reached an agreement.

The interested company is JMJ Holdings of Texas headed by CEO, Timothy Barton."

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 6 August 2009.

AS Bari Confirms Due Diligence Process

"La trattativa prosegue e sarà definita con la sottoscrizione degli atti dopo la conclusione della “due diligence” che la società interessata all’acquisto intende portare a compimento entro il prossimo 18 agosto."

"The deal continues and will be settled by the underwriting of the deeds (they may mean shares) after the conclusion of due diligence that the firm interested in the acquisition intends to bring to fulfillment by next August 18th."

Italian Source: AS Bari, 6 August 2009.

After eight seasons in Serie B, Bari won promotion back to the Serie A in May. They were managed by former Juventus legend, Antonio Conte, who surprisingly cut his ties with the club in the close season after winning the Serie B championship.

First American Ownership in Serie A

If this deal is consummated, it would mark the first American company to own a Serie A side. John Elkann, the Vice President of FIAT and Chairman of Exor, the holding company that controls Juventus, was born and raised in New York City.

Speaking of Bari, Antonio Cassano began in their youth ranks before his lucrative transfer to AS Roma.

On a personal note, the Amoia family hails from Giovinazzo, which is a stone's throw from Bari on the southeastern Adriatic coast.

Best wishes to Mr. Barton and AS Bari.

About Associazione Sportiva Bari, S.p.A.

• Founded in 1908
• President: Vincenzo Mattarese since 1983
  
• Colors: Red and White
• Nickname: i Galletti (The cockerels)
  
• il Mister: Giampiero Ventura
• Venue: Stadio San Nicola (St. Nicholas is the patron Saint of Bari.)
• Capacity: 58,000
  

Hat Tip

To Jim Riggio, editor of the Los Angeles based L'Italo-Americano, for bringing this to my attention.

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History Is Made Tonight in Basel: Fabio Cannavaro Sets the All-Time Appearances Record for the Azzurri

Tonight at St. Jakob Park at 2045 in Basel marks the 127th appearance for Fabio Cannavaro of the Azzurri. For many years, Paolo Maldini held the record at 126 games. But records were made to be broken by another in a long line of great Azzurri captains.

Naples Born and Bred

Fabio hails from Napoli, and grew up near the Stadio San Paolo. He was a ball boy for Napoli, and later launched his career with the Neapolitan club. His first international appearance at the senior level was in January 1997 against Northern Ireland. His stellar career has included competing in three World Cups, along with three European Cups. In 2006, he was named FIFA Player of the Year, and won the Ballon d'Or by France Football. He has been Captain of the Azzurri since 2002.



Probable Azzurri Starting XI: 4-4-2 (First starts at the senior level.)

Buffon (Juventus)

Zambrotta (AC Milan), Chiellini (Juventus), Cannavaro (Capt. Juventus), Criscito (Genoa)

Camoranesi (Juventus), Pirlo (AC Milan), Palombo (Sampdoria), Marchisio (Juventus)

Rossi (Villarreal), Gilardino (Fiorentina)

Gigi Buffon: The Confederations Cups Was A Delusion

“La Confederations è stata una delusione, ci ha creato dubbi e dato risposte negative. Ora serve tutto il contrario: dobbiamo ritrovare certezze, vittorie e una squadra che faccia bella figura. Siamo motivati, vogliamo festeggiare nel modo migliore il record di presenze di Cannavaro.”

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 12 August 2009.

"The Confederations Cup was a delusion, it created doubts and gave negative responses. Now everything is changed: we have to rediscover certainties, wins and a team that plays attractive football.

We are motivated, and we want to celebrate in the best way the record of caps by Cannavaro."

Tonight, Gigi made his 96th appearance for the Azzurri.

Switzerland Starting XI: 4-4-2

Benaglio

Dengen, Senderos, Grichting, Magnin

Padalino, Fernandes, Ilner, Barnetta

Frei (Captain), N'Kufo

Referee: Herr Kirchner of Germany.

The Swiss were in better form; however, the Azzurri wasted a few early chances. The pace of the friendly was surprisingly brisk. Criscito and Marchisio played very well in their Azzurri debuts. Barnetta of Switzerland struck the crossbar with Buffon beaten in the first half. Camoranesi suffered an injury and had to be subbed out.

In the second half, Mister Lippi brought in many subs, and the rhythm of the match declined. There were not many goal-scoring opportunities as both teams seemed content with the scoreless draw.

Fabio Cannavaro, in his 70th match as Azzurri captain, set the all-time appearances record of 127. Complimenti, Capitan Cannavaro.

The next match for the Azzurri will be 5 September against Georgia.

Mister Lippi After the Game

"La Confederations Cup è stata un mese in tre anni in cui non abbiamo fatto bene. Oggi siamo ripartiti con un altro spirito ed un altro entusiasmo. Qui ci sono ragazzi interessanti che hanno già fatto bene e giocheranno ancora, è un nuovo inizio positivo. Abbiamo creato tante occasioni a inizio gara, poi nel finale abbiamo rischiato la beffa".

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 12 August 2009.

"The Confederations Cup was one month in the last three years in which we didn't do well. Today we started over with a different spirit and a better enthusiasm.

Here there are interesting players that have done well and will do so again, it is a positive new beginning.

We created a lot of chances at the beginning of the match, but in the end we risked being caught out."

Key Stats

Score: 0 x 0
Shots on Goal: 10 x 10
On Target: 3 x 4
Possession: 45% x 55%
Cards: 0 x 0

The Azzurri fail to score a goal for the third consecutive game. That had never happened in either of Mr. Lippi's two tenures.

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Mister Lippi Releases His Roster for the Swiss Friendly: "Whomever is playing abroad has a better chance to be selected for the Azzurri."

Marcello Lippi released his roster for the 12 August 2009 friendly against Switzerland at St. Jakob Park in Basel (Basilea.) He added a few new faces (highlighted), along with his usual group of "Senators." He is a very consistent manager who rewards loyalty, and stresses the team dynamic over the individual.

Once again, Antonio Cassano of Sampdoria and Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus were not selected. It is safe to assume that as long as Mr. Lippi is manager, neither will feature in the Azzurri set-up. Cassano has played and behaved impeccably over the last year, and vowed to do anything, even play in goal, to wear the Azzurri shirt once again. For a player of his immense talent, 15 caps at the age of 27 seems hard to fathom.

Luca Toni, the out of form Bayern Munich striker, was also excluded. Daniele De Rossi of AS Roma and Rino Gattuso of AC Milan were rested.

The Door is Closed For Francesco Totti

With regards to the Giallorossi capitan and uomo simbolo who had recently indicated that he would return to the Azzurri fold if called, Mister Lippi was concise and left no room for misinterpretation:

«Totti ha preso la decisione di lasciare la Nazionale e io non ho intenzione di tornare indietro su questa decisione».

Italian Source: Corriere della Sera, 11 August 2009.

"Totti decided to leave the National team (after World Cup 2006), and I don't have the intention to go backwards on this decision."

On a positive note, Antonio Di Natale of Udinese returns after a serious knee injury.

The Swiss are the eternal rival of the Azzurri. They have played more games against them than any other side.

Here is the roster:

Portieri (Goalkeepers)

Buffon (Juventus), Marchetti (Cagliari)

Difensori (Defenders)

Bocchetti (Genoa), Cannavaro (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Genoa), Grosso (Olympique Lione), Santon (Inter), Zambrotta (Milan).

Centrocampisti (Midfielders)

Camoranesi (Juventus), D'Agostino (Udinese), Marchisio (Juventus), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan).

Attaccanti (Strikers)

Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal).

Mister Lippi Comments on His Strategies

"Sono convinto che se abbiamo una possibilità su un miliardo di rivincere il Mondiale, può realizzarsi soltanto non abbandonando i senatori, ma inserendo alcune novità in una squadra che non abbandoni i giocatori d'esperienza".

"I am convinced that if we have one chance in a thousand to win the World Cup again, it can be realized only if the 'Senators' are not abandoned, but by inserting a few new ones in a team that doesn't jettison experienced players."

"Se qualcuno non ritorna nelle condizioni necessarie, non fará parte di questo gruppo. Ma la stragrande maggioranza ci sará. Non ho gli occhi foderati di prosciutto: sto attuando il rinnovamento, tenendo presenti gli straordinari calciatori che hanno vinto il Mondiale in Germania. Lo faccio per convinzione, non per riconoscenza. Il rinnovamento totale si può anche fare, ma è un peccato rinunciare a elementi di grande esperienza internazionale".

"If someone doesn't return in the necessary physical condition, he won't be a part of this group. But the majority will be here. I don't have on blinders. I am putting together a renewal, keeping the extraordinary players that won the Cup in Germany. I do so by conviction, not because I know them. A complete renovation could be done, but it is a pity to renounce elements of great international experience."

"Chi gioca all'estero ha più chance di essere convocato in Nazionale. Perchè fa un'esperienza internazionale maggiore. Tra l'altro prendere un aereo per andare a vedere, ad esempio, Pirlo che gioca a Roma è lo stesso che prendere un aereo per andare a Londra o altrove". Quest'estate ha parlato sia con Pirlo, sia con Aquilani. "Parlo molto spesso con i miei giocatori, l'ho fatto sia con Pirlo che con Aquilani: gli ho detto quello che penso, compresa la Nazionale".

"Whomever is playing abroad has a better chance to be selected for the Azzurri. Because they have a better international experience. To take a plane to see them, for example, Pirlo playing in Rome is the same as taking a flight to London or elsewhere...

I speak often with my players, and I spoke with both Pirlo and Acquilani: I told them what I thought, including the National team."

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 5 August 2009.

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WPS Weekly by Rob Penner: Season Review and Playoff Preview

WPS Weekly – Tuesday, August 11
by Rob Penner, Communications Director of Women's Professional Soccer

Editor's Note:

I would like to thank Mr. Penner and WPS for their very comprehensive weekly updates this season for the readers of World Football Commentaries.

2009 Final Regular Season Standings

Team GP W L T GF GA Points
Los Angeles Sol 20 12-3-5 27 10 41
Saint Louis Athletica 20 10-6-4 19 15 34
Washington Freedom 20 8-7-5 32 32 29
Sky Blue FC 20 7-8-5 19 20 26
Boston Breakers 20 7-9-4 18 20 25
Chicago Red Stars 20 5-10-5 18 25 20
FC Gold Pride 20 4-10-6 17 28 18


Marta of the Los Angeles Sol won the WPS Golden Boot.

WPS Playoffs – TV Schedule (ET)

First Round Sat, Aug. 15 Maryland SoccerPlex, Boyds, MD 4pm – FSN
Super Semifinal Wed, Aug. 19 The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, St. Louis, MO 7pm–FSC
WPS Championship Sat, Aug. 22 The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA 3:30pm – FSN
WPS All-Star Game Sun, Aug. 30 The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, St. Louis, MO 5 pm–FSC/FSN

TV listings for First Round: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/schedule/2009-tv-schedule.aspx

Kick-Off Times (ET)




WPS's Player of the Week award is selected by a panel of writers with the North American Soccer Reporters.

WPS Players of the Week

Week 1: Aya Miyama (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 2: Marta (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 3: Kelly Smith (Boston Breakers)
Week 4: Aly Wagner (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 5: Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)
Week 6: Sonia Bompastor (Washington Freedom)
Week 7: Lori Chalupny (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 8: Christine Sinclair (FC Gold Pride)
Week 9: Jillian Loyden (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 10: Shannon Boxx (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 11: Camille Abily (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 12: Eniola Aluko (Saint Louis Athletica)
Week 13: Erin McLeod (Washington Freedom)
Week 14: Marta (Los Angeles Sol)
Week 15: Lindsay Tarpley (Chicago Red Stars)
Week 16: Cristiane (Chicago Red Stars)
Week 17: Natasha Kai (Sky Blue FC)
Week 18: Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)
Week 19: Lindsay Tarpley (Chicago Red Stars)
Week 20: Abby Wambach (Washington Freedom)

Note: Weeks 1-2 selected by The Soccer Magazine; weeks 3-20 selected by North American Soccer Reporters panel.

Team by Team Regular Season Attendance

Game 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Avg.

LA 14,832 6,119 6,210 6,115 dh 3,832 5,497 4,593 4,653 4,841 6,299
CHI 5,824 4,118 3,664 4,884 4,590 3,889 4,124 5,127 5,226 7,959 4,941
BOS 4,804 8,031 4,241 4502 3,128 3,105 4,009 4,075 4,125 6,631 4,665
WSH 5,028 4,232 5,149 dh 4,474 5,049 5,143 4,606 3,123 4,573 4,597
STL 5,008 4,228 3,860 3124 2,731 3,014 3,726 4,212 4,986 3,437 3,833
FCGP 6,459 3,321 2,533 6,280 2,956 2,861 2,203 3,873 2,324 3,856 3,667
NJ 6,053 2,753 3,493 4138 2,611 3,256 1,878 3,746 3,130 5,455 3,651
dh – doubleheaders with MLS not counted in attendance

Goals by the Numbers

Top Scorers – Los Angeles Sol’s Marta (9), Los Angeles Sol’s Camille Abily (8), Washington Freedom’s Abby Wambach (8), Chicago Red Star’s Cristiane (7)

Goals by Team – Washington Freedom (32), Los Angeles Sol (27), Saint Louis Athletica (19), Sky Blue FC (19), Boston Breakers (18), Chicago Red Stars (18), FC Gold Pride (17)

Total Goals – 150 goals scored since WPS Inaugural Match on March 29, 2009 with an average of 2.14 goals per game.

Quickest Goal in League Play: 2nd minute of play, Eniola Aluko – Saint Louis Athletica vs. Sky Blue FC (6/28/09), Kelly Smith – Boston Breakers vs. Los Angeles Sol (5/2/09)

Quickest back-to-back goals by one team: 2 goals in 3 minutes – 42 minute, 45 minute – from Marta in Los Angeles Sol vs. Sky Blue FC match (4/5/09)

Quickest back-to-back goals by both teams: 2 goals in 58 seconds – 46 minute, 47 minute – from Kacey White and Lisa De Vanna in Sky Blue FC vs. Washington Freedom match (7/15/09)

Most Goals in One Game by one team: 4, Los Angeles Sol 4-0 Chicago Red Stars (6/27/09), Washington Freedom 4-3 FC Gold Pride (4/26/09), Chicago Red Stars 4-0 Boston Breakers (4/25/09), and Sky Blue FC 4-4 Washington Freedom (7/15/09)

Most Goals in One Game by both teams: 8, Sky Blue FC 4-4 Washington Freedom (7/15/09)

Most Goals in a Game by a player: 3, Cristiane (Chicago Red Stars vs. FC Gold Pride – 7/12/09)

Penalty Kick Rates: 64% success rate, 7 out of 11 attempted

Longest Scoring Drought: 451 minutes, Chicago Red Stars

Saturday, August 15

WPS Playoffs – First Round
Washington Freedom vs. Sky Blue FC (4 pm ET – FSN)
Maryland SoccerPlex, Boyds, MD

These I-95 rivals played some riveting games this season, including the highest-scoring affair in WPS, when the Washington Freedom scored late in stoppage time to steal a 4-4 tie in mid-July. In three games this year, the Freedom outscored Sky Blue FC 9-6 going 2-0-1 against their East Coast rivals. This WPS First Round will be a re-match of last week’s playoff clinching match-up at the Maryland SoccerPlex, when the Freedom rode two goals by Abby Wambach to a 3-1 victory and the right to host the first playoff game in WPS history. The rematch was made possible when Boston lost to Los Angeles the next day, clinching a spot for Sky Blue FC. The Freedom are coming in hot, having won four of their last five games and were a solid 5-2-3 at home this year, the second-best home record in the league (some games played at RFK Stadium).

To have any chance at advancing to the Super Semifinal, Sky Blue FC will have to neutralize Washington’s potent offense like they did to other teams’ this season with stingy defense. The Freedom’s nine goals against Sky Blue FC accounted for almost half of the goals scored against the New Jersey side all regular season; indeed, the rest of the league notched only 11 goals against Sky Blue FC. Goalkeeper Jenni Branam will need to come up with some big stops, while player-coach Christie Rampone and the defensive backline will need to put Wambach and speedy Lisa De Vanna on lockdown.

One huge X-factor for Washington will be the absence of French midfielder Sonia Bompastor, one of the most exciting players in WPS this season. Bompastor had a hand in one-third of the Freedom’s nine goals this year against Sky Blue FC with an assist or score. She is now with the French national team at the 2009 European Championships and the Freedom will look to Ali Krieger, who joined the team from FFC Frankfurt in midseason, or perhaps Allie Long to carry some of the pressure of that playmaking midfielder role.

On the Sky Blue FC’s offensive side, getting goal production from star forward Natasha Kai will be absolutely crucial. Sky Blue FC is an impressive 4-0-1 this season when Kai puts the ball in the back of the net, the only blemish being the 4-4 tie with Washington when Kai scored twice. Unlike Washington, Sky Blue FC doesn’t have a variety of players who can score, with Rosana and Kacey White the only others who’ve shown consistent scoring ability. Winning on the road hasn’t come easy for Sky Blue FC – they are 2-6-2 this year – but nothing this season has come easy, as they have stared down adversity time and again, both on-and-off the field in 2009 to make the playoffs.

This game could come down to one fantastic play – a key save or a great score – and how the team that falls behind after the first goal in the history of the WPS Playoffs stares adversity in the face. Expect an exciting match down to the final minute.

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